Americano, the former Porto goalkeeper who was part of Portugal’s 1966 World Cup team, died this Friday at the age of 90, the club announced, expressing its “deepest condolences to the bereaved family.”
In a note published on the official website, the Dragons reported the disappearance of the last survivor of the generation that became national champions in the 1958/59 season, on the journey that culminated in victory in the Portuguese Cup in the 1967/68 season.
Américo Ferreira Lopes, born in Santa Maria de Llamas, a city and parish of the municipality of Santa Maria da Feira, began to appear in the FC Porto squad and rose to the first team as a reserve for the mythical Frederico Barrigana, who made his debut on the field . in December 1952, a few months after the opening of the now demolished Estádio das Antas stadium.
After completing his military service alongside his neighbor Boavista (1954-1958), he represented the Dragons for 11 consecutive seasons and stood out as one of the I League figures in the 1960s, also receiving his first honour. presentation of the Silver Beacon award, given to the nation’s best “keeper”, in 1964.
Honored in the blue and white universe with the Pinga Trophy in 1965 and the Golden Dragon of the Year in 2017, Americo played more than 270 matches for Porto and left the field and football forever in the 1968/69 season, then 36 years .
The former goalkeeper also earned 15 caps and witnessed Portugal’s World Cup debut in England in 1966, placing him behind the likes of the late Jose Pereira and Joaquim Carvalho in the pecking order of the skinny goal-scoring options who achieved better involvement. ever since they came in third place.
Author: Lusa
Source: CM Jornal
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